Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic Automatic Cal. 4069

The new Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic Cal. 4069 wristwatch is, as you have probably already guessed, equipped with the brand’s new caliber 4069 automatic movement and is offered in relatively inexpensive steel and much more impressively priced gold version. At this time, this is one of the most interesting choices when it comes to “dressy” chronographs with character.

Overall Impression

First presented almost a year ago during the Baselworld 2015 international trade show, the new Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic has finally gone on sale on most markets around the world. Deliberately simple, yet extremely elegant in that magic 1960s way, the new family is now offered both in unassuming stainless steel (Ref. 03.2270.4069/01.C493) and in more striking 18-carat rose gold (Ref. 18.2270.4069/01.C498.)

There was a fairly short span of time when Zenith tried to shock the audience with outrageous shapes and startling design language. Apparently, the strategy didn’t work and the Swiss brand decided to return to its roots with a whole new collection of more classic-styled timekeepers that were dressy and elegant, but still different. After all, they had (and still have) the gorgeous El Primero family of high-speed movements that not only allowed their chronographs to measure time with 1.25 times better precision, but also provided their watches with that familiar ‘buzzing’ sound that is a characteristic part of a caliber that beats at a speed of 36,000 vph.

With its clean lines and laconic decor, this new Elite Chronograph Classic is a very nice take on the traditional design. Its easily readable dial and organically sculpted, compact case remind me of their late 1950s, early 1960s chronographs, although it clearly stands a couple of steps higher on the evolutionary ladder with an even more impressive dial and a gorgeously decorated self-winding movement. Of course, it may not hold its resale value as strongly as a chronograph by Patek Philippe, but, if presented with a choice of two, I think I would have preferred the Zenith, just for the sake of being different, if not anything else.

Case & Strap

The case features that same easily recognizable “pebble” shape as other members of their Elite series.

Despite its relatively large size (well, at least on paper,) the watch doesn’t actually look massive on an average wrist. Whether we just finally got so used to “oversized” timekeepers that models that measure whole 42 millimeters in diameter (and, in this particular instance, almost 12 millimeters thick) look “compact” or is it thanks to clever design of their ergonomically curved lugs that make them sit so comfortably on a wrist, is probably anybody’s guess. The fact is that the watch doesn’t look out of place when you wear it with formal attire.

From the point of view or pure ergonomics some may not like its relatively short winding/setting crown, but the rectangular chronograph push-pieces look almost impeccable.

It may be purely subjective, but, besides the simpler versions of Patek Philippe’s Calatrava models, I consider the fresh batch of Elite series watches the most appropriate for a person who earns enough to afford a “real” mechanical timekeeper of this pedigree, but doesn’t happen to have a job of a lieutenant in a drug cartel. They are discreet; they are elegant; they don’t pretend to be more than they really are; they don’t make you look like, well, an attention-seeking person. Or, putting it simpler, they show that you actually have good taste (and it doesn’t make a difference whether it is inherent or acquired) when it comes to expensive things.

Dial

One of the main attractions here are the hour markers. If you take a closer look, you will see that they are engraved on (or maybe even cut into) the solid silver-toned face of the watch and then either rose-gold plated or rhodiumed (?) for an even better contrast.

The lack of Superluminova makes this watch unreadable at night, but if you plan to wear this timekeeper in situations where there is always an abundance of light, you will probably have no problems with the way the dial is executed. After all, this is a dress watch: it is not designed for night sorties over enemy territories. Of course, the version in rose gold is more legible as the silver of the dial serves as a good background for the polished gold hands. The blued steel of the 30-minute chronograph totalizer at 3 o’clock and a small seconds sub-dial at 9 hours makes both indicators very contrast on both versions of the watch.

By the way, you have probably already noticed that the chapter ring features a rather unusual minutes/seconds track with extra four smaller “dashes” engraved between each “main” seconds marker. These, of course, come courtesy of the brand’s signature El Primero movement that beats at an unusually high frequency of 36,000 semi-oscillations per hour and thus allows you to measure time intervals with an accuracy of 1/10th of a second. Although hardly practical, this is still a very nice touch that actually makes the watch stand out from the pack of the rest of similarly priced (and similarly styled) chronographs.

The only thing I miss here is the lack of date indicator. While I understand the reason behind the decision to make the dial look as “simplistic” as it is possible to achieve without harming the timekeeper’s readability, I must admit that the lack of even a simple calendar would probably be a bummer for me if I was currently on the market for an analog chronograph watch. The move could be justifiable in case with a simple two- or even three-hander. But a chronograph is often regarded as a (glorified?) tool watch and there can’t be too many indicators on a tool as long as they don’t get too cramped.

Well, again, it is the only thing that seems to be amiss here, otherwise the dial is perfect.

Mechanism

This new Elite Chronograph Classic is powered by one of the brand’s signature El Primero chronograph movement. As I have already mentioned in the section above, the mechanism is a sort of a stripped-down version of their ‘base’ movement that features the same high-speed balance wheel and the usual column-wheel design, but comes sans the usual 12-hour chronograph totalizer and date.

Putting things into perspective, the mechanism that now comprises the same 31 jewels but only 254 components (versus 326 parts of, say, El Primero 400 B movement) will probably be more reliable than more complex versions.

As usual for the Swiss brand, the El Primero 4069 features decor that, while bearing reserved and even a bit dry appearance, doesn’t look cheap. The open-worked oscillating weight with its usual Zenith Star in the center, as well as a set of nicely polished (some of them even blued) screw-heads and gears that seem to feature a sort of sunburst pattern on them, make the mechanism look very solid and expensive. The effect is further enhanced by the case back cover that combines mirror polishing with sandblasting giving this nicely sculpted timepiece an even more pronounced sense of depth.

Well, the quarter panel with its perlage finish spoils the impression a tiny bit, but I think I can live with that, after all, it would not be particularly wise to demand elaborate hand-finishing from a mass-produced timekeeper in this price range (see below).

Pricing & Availability

According to the recently disseminated press release, the watch is already available on major markets all over the world. If nothing has changed since last time when MSRP was announced, the version in stainless steel (Ref. 03.2270.4069/01.C493) sells at a recommended street price of $8,900, while the dressier reference 18.2270.4069/01.C498 in 18-carat rose gold retails for a lot more impressive -yet predictable- price of $21,600.